Chapter 65: Sweet and Elite
A week went by after the Running of the Leaves and after the Thanksgiving dinner they had, which the princess took a majority of the leftovers home with her as she couldn't get enough of the food Spyro made and of some of the delicacies that Zecora brought with her while eveyrone else had their fill, heading home with full stomachs and satisfaction. However, during that week, everyone was training hard, doing some exercises to help boost their stamina and some hoof to hoof combat with their Keyblades, which he was impressed with as they were improving after having the blades for what seemed like a month or two and were already naturals. However, Rarity was planning on going to Canterlot for a visit to the magnificent city and Spyro hand;t seen it either, so he decided to go along and get to see the city for himself while also preparing something for Twilight's birthday coming in the next few days and needed some alone time to work on it and on another side project he had in the makings.
Both he and Rarity were on the train on their way to the station in Canterlot, and when they arrived, they were met with a royal escort that lead them to the castle, where the princess was waiting for them at the castle gate.
"Spyro, Rarity, welcome to Canterlot." Princess Celestia said.
"Your majesty." Rarity said, bowing to her. "I am truly honored."
"It's wonderful that the two of you could be here." Celestia said. "Please, follow me to your rooms."
The two ponies followed the princess into her castle, passing by a few of the guards all the way to a tower, which they walked up a few flights of stairs until they reached a hallway the princess was walking down, reaching a couple of rooms as she opened the doors to them.
"Rarity, you shall have the room on the left." The princess said, looking in to see her room had some large windows, large rug and a massive bed with a mirror in it and some mannequins with a work station for her to work on some dresses. "And Spyro, you have the one on the right."
"Thanks Princess Celestia." Spyro said, looking in to see it was a near match, except his had a bird stand and his bird cage in it, which Scorch flew in from an open window and perched on a perch and it didn't have the mannequin and other things Rarity uses to make her dresses. "Looks great. And Scorch seems to think so as well."
"Yes, really, thank you Princess." Rarity said.
"You both are quite welcome." Princess Celestia said.
"No really, thank you so very much princess." Rarity said. "This is so very kind of you."
"Oh, think nothing of it." Princess Celestia said. "When Twilight said you and Spyro would be coming to Canterlot to visit it, she asked that I accommodate you both. And knowing my sister, she'll be very excited to see you Spyro."
"More than likely." Spyro replied.
"Um, excuse me sir, madam." Said a voice behind them. They turned around and saw a grey unicorn courier was carrying a large amount of luggage that Rarity brought with her which he seemed to be struggling to even stand, let alone move. "But, where would you like these?"
"Oh, the black bag with the dragon heads is mine." Spyro said, reaching out with the Force and snagging it. "The rest go into Rarity's room." The courier slowly walked past them and went into her room, but before he could ask if he needed help, the unicorn collapsed on the ground, being buried by the luggage. "Geez Rare, you brought everything but the kitchen sink. Why do you need so much stuff?"
"Well, one can't have too many accessories." Rarity replied. "Besides, we're in the most regal city in all of Equestria. I want to make a good impression and feel like I belong."
He just smiled at the fashionista, chuckling at bit at how she wanted to make an impression, but just let her be as she went into her room to start unpacking while Spyro went into his room to take care of Scorch and to get started on Twilight's Birthday present. As he was working on it, he heard a knock at his door and turned to see Rarity come in wearing a hat she had brought with her and Opal on her back, smiling as she walked in.
"Excuse me Spyro, sorry for interrupting." Rarity said. "But, I thought you might want a break from what you were doing and might want to come to a cafe with me."
"Sure Rare, I'm game." Spyro said, getting up and stretching. "Besides, I needed a break anyway."
He got up from the work station he was on and walked with Rarity as Scorch got off his perch and onto Spyro's back, letting his owner carry him to where ever Rarity was leading them until they stopped at a cafe close to the castle and sat there, though Spyro did draw a few eyes as the ponies there never saw him before, but others bowed to him as they did recognize him as a prince.
"Spyro darling, do you know what I like about Canterlot?" Rarity asked.
"The sights and the fashion?" Spyro guessed.
"Good guess." Rarity replied as a waiter brought them what they ordered and some milk for Opal and a large thing of water for Scorch. "But what I like about Canterlot is, EVERYTHING! I may have been born in Ponyville, but I know I'm a Canterlot pony at heart." She then took a drink of her coco before looking back at him. "I know, I am supposed to pick up some fabrics for my shop, but that doesn't mean I can't enjoy myself. plus, Twilight was such a dear to get me the suite at the castle, I need to find a way to repay her."
"Same here." Spyro said, taking a drink of his coco. "I am making something special for her birthday coming in a few days, but I need to find a way to say thanks for hooking us up with some of the greatest rooms in the city." He then tried to take another sip of his drink, but some ponies passed by and bowed to him, which he nodded his head and tried again, but more walked by and he nodded his head again. Then he tried again, but more bowed as they walked by, so after nodding his head a third time, he turned his chair to where he wasn't facing the street to drink, but then some of the patrons bowed to him and he nodded again, so he turned his seat again, this time looking both directions to make sure no one was coming before trying to drink. But, as he guessed, another group walked by and bowed, so he set his drink down and hoof smacked himself in defeat, clearly annoyed. "I should have gotten this to go. Maybe then I'd have a chance to drink it."
Rarity couldn't help but laugh at his predicament, drinking her coco again when they heard hooves walking towards them, looking to the street two see a couple of ponies walking their way. They were both unicorns, one gray with a black mane and the other yellow with a light purple and white mane, both wearing identical outfits, except the stallions was green and white while the mares was white and pink.
"Please excuse us for interrupting." The stallion said. "I am Jet Set and this is my wife, Upper Crust. We saw the two of you from across the cafe and simply had to ask."
"Where did you get such a marvelous Chapeau and jacket?" Upper Crust asked.
"Oh this?" Rarity asked. "Why it's something that-"
"Rarity!" Came a male voice. Everyone looked up to see an earth pony on a harness trying to wave to Rarity. He tried to say hi, but his harness ended up breaking and he fell, almost onto the ground if the harness didn't catch him by the leg, saving him from a concussion. "Rarity, it's me, Hazy Turnip Truck, remember? From the big Hoe Down in Ponyville last fall?"
"You know this guy Rare?" Spyro asked.
"Oh yes, I do." Rarity replied. "This is Hazy Turnip Truck, he was a resident of Ponyville before moving here to Canterlot last fall. How have you been?"
"Good." He replied. "Real good."
"So, you're from... Ponyville?" Jet Set asked.
"Well, yes, but..." Rarity said.
"She sure is." Turnip Truck said, getting down form his predicament. "She's a real, big-time, fancy dress makin' maker there. Probably be that real pretty thing on her head."
"I thought it looked a little... country." Upper Crust said.
"And what's wrong with that?" Spyro asked, instantly disliking them.
"I told you it was something you couldn't get it here in Canterlot dear." Jet Set said, ignoring Spyro's question.
"Of course not, she makes them herself." Spyro said, interrupting them. "And if you got a problem with that, move along and stop bothering us."
The two ponies just flicked their heads up, not bothered by what he said as they walked along, leaving them alone with Hazy Turnip Truck as he waved to them.
"Well they seem nice." Turnip Truck said.
"More like a couple of snobs who think they're better than anyone else." Spyro said, drinking his coco before seeing how unhappy Rarity was. "Hey, don't pay any attention to them. What you make and wear doesn't define you. It's your heart and how you act that defines you my little diamond. Let them think what they want, I know you're one of the best fashion designers out there and nothing will change that."
"Thanks Spyro." Rarity said, wiping the tears away. "You're so very sweet for saying that."
The two then rubbed their noses together, Spyro wrapping his wings around her as they enjoyed each others company for a little while before heading back to their rooms, but as they went in, he could still sense what those two snobs said to Rarity was getting to her, sensing how hurt she was, but knew he couldn't do much at the current moment, so he went back to work on Twilight's present. He was currently working on putting in the gems for the finishing touch when he heard what sounded like hoof steps going down the hall, so he poked his head out of his room to see that Rarity was trotting down the hall and heading out of the castle, wondering what she was up to when he looked into her room and saw on her work station that she was working on a new dress. It looked elegant and had plenty of feathers on it, but he just shook his head, realizing she was letting what those two say get to her and walked out, but ran into a familiar dark blue alicorn princess as she seemed to be in front of his room.
"Luna." Spyro said.
"Spyro." Luna said, turning around and hugging him. "I am pleased you could come to Canterlot. I've missed you."
"And I missed you too little moon drop." Spyro replied, breaking the hug up. "I take it you came to visit me."
"I have, yes." Princess Luna said. "I was hoping I'd get to spend a little time with you since you're here."
"Sure, I have some time." Spyro replied.
The two of them walked through the castle, the princess of the night giving him the grand tour and as they went along, they walked past a few of the nobles who were discussing business with Princess Celestia and a few new laws that they believed could help benefit Canterlot, but from what he heard, all those laws would do was benefit them instead. They then went out to the royal gardens, walking past some of the statues that decorated the garden itself before passing Discords, the shocked and horrified expression still on his face, bringing a chuckle to Spyro as he remembered how he and his allies were after he went Hyper and mopped the floor with them. They soon found a secluded spot in the gardens, taking a couple of pillows from nearby and placing them on the ground as they sat down to look to the sky, watching the Pegasus move the clouds to bring a nice sunny day.
"Today is going to be a beautiful day." Luna said. "And also a beautiful night too."
"Any night is beautiful with you around." Spyro said, the two leaning into one another. "So what's been happening around here? Any excitement?"
"If you call listening to the many politicians my sister speaks with and having to keep an eye on the dreams of every single pony in Equestria exciting, then yes, it's been eventful." Luna replied.
"Geez, is it really that boring around here?" Spyro asked.
"You have no idea how boring it gets here." Luna replied. "I'd gladly set my sister's tail on fire if it'll liven the place up a bit."
"Let's not do that little moon drop." Spyro said. "Don't wanna have to come break you out of prison for arson."
The two of them laughed at the bad joke, enjoying the moment they had together as they watched the day go by, closing their eyes Spyro wrapped his wing around the princess, letting the day go by. After a little while, they got up from the pillows and went back to the castle, Luna needing to meet with her sister for lunch while Spyro headed back to his room to get started on his other project, but as he was approaching, he saw Rarity enter her room, but didn't close the door, so he walked in to see what she was doing when he spotted her pacing around the room mumbling to herself.
"Rarity, you ok?" Spyro asked.
"Oh, yes darling, I'm alright." Rarity replied. "It's just, I bumped into Fancy Pants, one of the most important ponies in Canterlot and he invited me to the Wonderbolts Derby in a VIP booth he reserved. I was trying to figure out what to do as if I go it'll cut into the amount of time I have to make Twilight's dress for her birthday, but I so want to go as it'll mean big things for me if I get his stamp of approval. What do I do?"
"Rare, you have a few days to get the dress finished." Spyro said. "Why not enjoy yourself while you're here. Live a little."
"You're right Spyro darling." Rarity said, going into her closet and getting a large hot pink hat with massive feathers on it. "I'm going to the Wonderbolts Derby as his guest. Would you like to come along and watch it as well?"
"Sure, why not." Spyro replied. "I always wanted to see the Wonderbolts in action."
The two ponies left the room and walked out of the castle as they made their way to the stadium where the Wonderbolts were having their Derby, which it was full of ponies who all came to attend the event, but as they went up the stairs, Spyro caught sight of the two snobs who disrespected Rarity, both of them leering at them, but he gave glared right back, allowing his anger to flare up as his Sith eyes showed for a split second, spooking them a bit before leaving. they then approached a guard who was in front of a velvet rope that indicated that up the stairs was the VIP section of the stadium, which the guard didn't budge for them as the approached until he saw a white unicorn stallion with a navy blue mane appeach.
"Rarity, so good you could make it." The stallion said. "And whose your... wait, I think I know you, don't I?"
"You may have heard of me actually." Spyro replied. "I'm Spyro VanVickle."
"The Prince of Light and Darkness, of course." The pony said. "I am Fancy Pants and it's an honor to meet you at last. Rarity, you didn't tell me you were friends with him."
"Actually, he's my herd leader." Rarity replied. "And colt friend."
"My, aren't you a lucky lady." Fancy Pants said. "Come in, both of you. I'm sure my colleagues would love to get to know you."
The guard unhooked the rope and allowed the both of them to follow the unicorn up the stairs and into a booth, which they all swarmed Fancy Pants while ignoring both him and Rarity.
"Everypony, this is Rarity and Spyro." Fancy Pants said, which the group then turned to look at them after just hearing Spyro's name. "They are both staying in the castle."
As soon as he mentioned they were staying at the castle, they all mumbled to each other, wondering how Rarity could afford staying at the castle and making her feel very uncomfortable. Soon the horns started, announcing the derby was about to begin as the racers all took their places.
"I'll be rooting for Rapid Fire." Fancy Pants said. "He's sure to take home the grand prize."
"Actually, I believe Fleet Foot will win this." Rarity commented, getting nasty glares from the other ponies.
"I agree Rare." Spyro said, wrapping his wings around her. "Fleet Foot has this in the bag."
They then heard the horns again and went over to watch the race, Rarity and Spyro looking over just as Fancy Pants and his colleagues all looked over, rooting for Rapid Fire while he and Rarity watched from the sidelines, watching as the Wonderbolts fly around the track, the crowd cheering as they flew around, but it came down to Rapid Fire and Fleet Foot, both seemingly neck and neck, but Fleet Foot then took the lead and won the whole thing, surprising Fancy Pants and his companions while Spyro and Rarity cheered.
"Bravo Rarity." Fancy Pants said. "Tell me, how did you know that Fleet Foot would be victorious?"
"Oh, my friend Rainbow Dash talks about her all the time." Rarity replied. "She told me what Fleet Foot lacks in Size, she more than makes up for in speed."
"As the saying goes, size doesn't matter." Spyro added, giving her a peck on the cheek and making her laugh.
"Tell me, who is this Rainbow Dash?" One of Fancy Pant's guests asked.
"Oh, she's... um..." Rarity said, feeling nervous as she tried to think of something to say, swallowing some air as she tried to calm herself down. "She's.. the... Wonderbolts trainer of course."
Spyro looked down at Rarity in shock, not believing she'd lie about their friend being the Wonderbolts trainer, but everyone else seemed to have taken the story, surrounding her and asking questions about her life and everything else under the sun. They then walked along the streets of Canterlot while Rarity told them stories about some of her fashion styles and about some of the things she did, Spyro trailing behind them while they were talking, still ticked at her for out right lying that her friend was the Wonderbolts trainer just to impress them. After they were done talking to her, Rarity and Spyro walked back to the castle right as Rarity was talking about all the events she has been invited to, but Spyro kept quiet as they walked, clearly disappointed in her.
"Oh, I cannot wait!" Rarity said. "The elite of Canterlot want me to attend their events. An art gallery tonight, a charity auction tomorrow, and a dinner party tomorrow night. Oh, isn't it exciting!?"
"Yeah, grand." Spyro replied, walking ahead of her.
"Is something wrong Spyro?" Rarity asked.
"Why did you lie?" Spyro asked, making her stop. "Why did you lie that Rainbow Dash was the Wonderbolts trainer? You know she isn't."
"Well excuse me for wanting to make myself important enough to be recognized by the elite of Canterlot." Rarity replied, flicking her mane out of her eyes. "I was nearly not trying to make myself look like a fool."
"You already did." Spyro replied, shocking her.
"Excuse me?" She asked.
"You already made yourself look like a fool by lying." Spyro replied. "They may be the elite of Canterlot, but they aren't idiots. Sooner or later, your lies are going to come crashing down on top of you and you'll be seen as a liar and a fraud. Fancy Pants will ruin you if he finds out. Best thing to do is tell the truth and explain why you lied in the first place."
"You don't understand Spyro dear." Rarity said, walking into her room with Spyro close behind, trying on different jewelry. "This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I can't let it pass."
"What about Twilight's dress?" Spyro asked.
"Spyro, you said so yourself, I have plenty of time to finish it." Rarity replied. "Besides, i can't disappoint the Canterlot elite by turning down their invitations can I?"
He then heard what sounded like music playing in the back ground right as Rarity was placing a crown on her head and turned to the mirror, trotting over to it.
[Rarity]
'I'll be the toast of the town, the girl on the go
I'm the type of pony every pony, every pony should know
I'll be the one to watch, the girl in the flow
I'm the type of pony every pony, every pony should know.
Becoming as popular as popular can be
Making my mark, making my mark in high society
I'm the belle of the ball, the star of the show, yeah
I'm the type of pony every pony, every pony should know
See how they hang on every word that I speak
My approving glance is what they all seek
I'm the creme de la creme, not just another Jane Doe
I'm the type of pony every pony should know
At home, at the opera, on a fancy yacht
Becoming the talk, the talk of all of Canterlot
I'm the creme de la creme, not just another Jane Doe, yeah
I'm the type of pony every pony, every pony should know
Because I'm the type of pony
Yes, I'm the type of pony
Yes, I'm the type of pony every pony should know.'
Throughout the whole song, Rarity was attending all kinds of different events from the Art Gallery, to the dinners and auctions and then moving onto operas, fancy gatherings and even smashing a bottle against a new airship as a way of good luck, but when she got back to her room, she tried to work on Twilight's dress, but ended up falling asleep on the floor, snoring away peacefully while Spyro walked in and saw her asleep. He just shook his head at how she allowed herself to be distracted by all the elites and their events that she didn't get to finish her friend's dress. He used his magic to pick her up and put her to bed, covering her up and planting a kiss on her forehead as she walked out, leaving the fashion pony to sleep the night away as he returned to his own room. The next morning, they were getting packed to get ready to head back to Ponyville, which Rarity was taking the longest as she brought the most stuff with her while Spyro just decided to carry his bag as he exited his room.
"Almost ready Rare?" Spyro asked.
"Just about Spyro." Rarity replied. "I hope I'm not forgetting anything."
"I hope not either." Spyro said, looking down at the unicorn who was carrying the bags, seeing it was the same unicorn as last time. "I don't think the poor fella can make another trip if ya did."
A minute later, they heard what sounded like a letter being delivered, looking to the door and saw there was a letter addressed to Rarity in the letter slot, so she went over to pick it up and opened it to Randy what was on it.
"It's a letter from Jet Set and Upper Crust." Rarity said.
"Oh boy." Spyro said. "Those two snobs? What do they want?"
"Dearest Rarity, your presence is requested at the Canterlot Garden Party tomorrow afternoon." Rarity said, reading the letter, her eyes lighting up as she ready it. "The Canterlot Garden Party!"
"Oh poodoo." Spyro said.
"Spyro, watch your language." Rarity said, surprising him.
"You don't even know what it means." Spyro replied.
"I can guess what it does mean." Rarity replied. "Besides, the Canterlot Garden Party is one of the most important events right next to the Grand Galloping Gala."
"And we both know how that turned out." Spyro said, remembering how the Gala went.
"But, if I go then I'll miss Twilight's Birthday party." Rarity said, pulling the drawing from the pile of luggage on the couriers back. "But if I don't go, then my reputation as a very important pony in Canterlot is ruined. I might never be invited to another high society event again!"
"Well, what's more important to you Rare?" Spyro asked, getting her attention. "The high society ponies who care more about reputation than who you really are, or your friends who truly care about you and not what reputation you have?"
Rarity looked back and forth between the letter she got from the important, high society ponies and the drawing of a dress for her friend, her face turning red as she became frustrated.
"It's just too important." Rarity said. She then walked over to the nearby drawer and pulled out a quill and ink, grabbing a piece of paper as well as she lied down on the ground to write a letter. "My dear Twilight, I regret to inform you I cannot make it to your birthday party tomorrow."
"WHAT!?" Spyro shouted, shocked and furious with Rarity. "Are you serious!? Your reputation in Canterlot is more important than your friend's birthday party!?"
"I'm sorry Spyro, but this is a once in a lifetime opportunity." Rarity replied, not looking at him in fear of seeing his reaction. "I can always attend Twilight's birthday party, but this is something I can't pass up."
"Well, at least there's one friend who won't miss her party." Spyro said, turning to leave. "Enjoy your garden party Rare. And enjoy your new 'high society' friends."
Spyro walked down the hall and left the white unicorn mare alone, who looking in his direction as he was leaving, feeling guilty about her decision and having disappointed him. As Spyro was walking down the hall, Princess Celestia noticed he looked disappointed and angry as he was approaching him.
"Spyro, what's the matter?" Princess Celestia asked. "You look upset."
"I'm more than upset princess." Spyro replied, stopping in front of her. "Rarity decided to attend the Canterlot Garden party rather than her friend's birthday party. I mean, I know it's her choice and all, but I'm just disappointed in her for her decision. None of the ponies here care about who the pony is, only their reputation. Makes me sick."
"Well, if that's what's upsetting you, why not stay an extra day tomorrow." The princess suggested.
"Can't, I'm going to attend Twilight's Birthday party tomorrow." Spyro replied. "At least I have MY priorities straight."
"Let me ask you something Spyro." The princess said. "Is Rarity writing a letter to Twilight right now?"
"She is." Spyro replied. "And probably making up some dumb reason to want to stay. But why do you..." He then paused, thinking it over for a moment when it clicked in his mind, looking up to the princess and saw a smile on her face, a smile growing on his as well. "It's going to backfire isn't it?"
"I'm pretty sure you know your friends better than anypony else." The princess said, implying it might.
"Guess I can stick around a little while longer." Spyro said, returning to his room.
As he settled back in, he got out Twilight's present and looked it over, making sure everything was in place and was perfect before going out into the city to find a place that can wrap it up for him while also remaining out of Rarity's sight as she believed he had already left for Ponyville. The next day, Spyro was at the station, waiting for his friends when the train arrived and out from it, Twilight and everyone else came off the train and saw him waving.
"Spyro." Twilight said, rushing over and hugging him. "Good to see you again."
"Oh come on Twi." Spyro said. "I've only been gone a few days."
"Felt like an eternity for us." Twilight replied. "When I got Rarity's letter, we decided to move the birthday party here in Canterlot."
"The princess told me." Spyro responded. "Says we have a ballroom all to ourselves."
"I can't wait!" Pinkie said. "I mean, moving the party to here is no problem as balloons are easy enough to pack."
She then got out a suitcase and opened it, which the balloons she had already inflated started flying everywhere, making him snicker.
"Well, I'm glad you moved it to here." Spyro said. "And I'm sure Rarity is going to enjoy it. And before I forget..." He then pulled out the present he made for her, wrapped up in purple wrapping paper with a blue ribbon on it, handing it to Twilight. "Happy Birthday little bookworm."
"Oh Spyro." Twilight said, taking the present. "What is it? A book?"
"Too predictable." Spyro replied. "You'll just have to open it and find out."
"But not until we get her the rest of her presents first." Applejack said, taking the present away. "First let's go get Rarity, then we can get the party started."
"Great idea." Spyro said.
The six of them then walked towards the castle and passed some of the ponies that Rarity had conversed with, which he didn't pay them any mind as he walked to the castle until they reached the front gate and saw some of the decorations that the princess ordered for the birthday party tonight, which so happened to be right next to the garden party from what the princess told him, making him crack the biggest smile ever. He took them to where Rarity's room was and before he could knock, Rarity opened the door and saw him there, who was wearing a yellow dress with a large yellow sun hat and some flowers in her tail and mane.
"Spyro, what are you doing here?" Rarity asked.
"SURPRISE!" Eveyrone shouted, making her fall down and faint for a moment.
"How did you... what did you... huh?" Rarity asked.
"Aw, look, she's so happy to see us she can hardly talk." Applejack said.
"Well, yes I'm glad to see you." Rarity said. "But, what I mean to say is, what are you all doing here?"
"When I got your letter saying you were stuck here in Canterlot, I asked Pinkie if it wouldn't be too much trouble to move it here to Canterlot." Twilight replied, Rarity looking at everyone in shock. "This way, you won't miss the party."
"Wow, first you get me a suite in Canterlot Castle, now this." Rarity said. "I don't know what to say."
"Well, maybe you can start by explaining why you're wearing a fancy get up." Rainbow Dash said.
Rarity looked at her friends, completely flustered, trying to figure out what to say so that she didn't get into trouble.
"Well, I... always put on something fancy when I'm taking care of Opal when she feels under the weather." Rarity said, looking at everyone nervously, but Spyro wasn't buying it.
"Oh, the poor dear." Fluttershy said. "Where is the sick darling?"
"Oh... she's... hold on a minute." Rarity said, slamming the door in their faces.
"What was that about?" Twilight asked.
"No idea." Spyro replied. "She seems... nervous."
"Spyro, there something ya know about Rarity?" Applejack asked.
"I do know something, but I think I'll let it play out." Spyro replied. "Sometimes, the best lessons are learned the hard way."
"Ya know Ah hate it when yer being cryptic." Applejack said.
A moment later, Rarity opened the door and was smiling, but it was a nervous smile and he could sense her anxiety was spiking.
"She's resting on the bed right now." Rarity said.
Fluttershy then rushed past Rarity and picked up Opal, hugging the poor cat as she did look awful, but from what Spyro was seeing, it wasn't from a bug, but from what appeared to be from getting wet. As they looked around, Spyro could see a yellow dress with a pink ribbon on a mannequin, which didn't appear to be finished by a long shot from what Spyro saw from the original design. Twilight also saw it and moved towards it, sensing Rarity's anxiety was rising again as she approached it.
"Is... this my dress?" Twilight asked.
"Yes." Rarity replied, feeling nervous as she answered.
"It's so simple." Twilight said, making the fashionista nervous. "So practical. It's so... ME! It's the perfect dress for my birthday party. Thanks Rarity, I love it!"
"Oh, you're quite welcome Twilight dear." Rarity replied, feeling relieved as she hugged Twilight and knocked the original design into the trash to hide it. "You have no idea how happy it makes me to hear you say that."
"Well, I'll let you get changed then." Spyro said. "I'm going to go and check on the preparations for the party. See you girls tonight."
"Sure thing Spyro." Twilight said. "See you in the ballroom."
Spyro left the girls alone to check on how preparations for the birthday party were going and when he arrived at the ballroom, he could see that everything was already set up, balloons, streamers, banners, cakes and party food, the whole enchilada. When everything was ready, the door to the ballroom opened and his friends came in, Twilight wearing her new dress as she walked in and looked at the room, everyone gazing in wonder at the room.
"Wow, this looks amazing." Fluttershy said.
"You said it sister." Pinkie said. "Isn't it Fancy Pants?"
"Fancy Pants!?" Rarity asked in shock and quickly hid behind Rainbow Dash. "Where!? Where!?" Everyone then looked at Rarity, wonder what had gotten into her. "I mean, where did you find the time to put all these decorations up?"
"Oh, I never leave home without my party cannon." Pinkie replied, pulling a cannon from out of no where.
She then aims the cannon to the nearby table and fired the cannon and the table was covered with a table cloth with a party horn and confetti flying everywhere and covering Rarity, who was annoyed and leered at Pinkie.
"I thought about having my party outside, but they're having another party in the Castle grounds today." Twilight said.
Rarity walked over to the window and looked out, surprised and hiding from what she saw, which was the Canterlot Garden Party. Spyro could sense how nervous and frightened Rarity was as she now had to juggle between two parties at once, which Spyro just smiled to himself as he walked to his friends right as Pinkie was getting the music ready. As the music got started, everyone started off by tossing Twilight into the air, singing happy birthday to her before moving on to slicing the cake up, obviously Twilight got the bigger piece, but as everyone was eating, a few pieces of cake went flying, hitting Applejack, Fluttershy and Spyro, which Spyro licked off, but they looked to see who it was that threw the cake, finding Rainbow Dash was laughing, so while she was laughing, everyone else got some cake and started to cover her in it while Rarity stayed back not to get dirty while they all laughed. A while later, they then got into a conga line, but a little bit later, Spyro noticed that Rarity had snuck out the door and went to the garden party, which he knew she was going to have a doozy of a time trying to be at two parties at once.
A little while later, they were all blindfolded and given sticks to hit a few Piñatas, which Rarity used the opportunity to sneak out again back to the Garden Party and kept on switching back and forth between the two parties, making up excuses or creating distractions in order to get a chance to sneak away until she came in, looking very much exhausted and carrying a croquet mallet in her mouth, which Rainbow Dash noticed as well.
"Um, what's with the croquet mallet?" She asked.
"What croquet mallet?" Rarity asked.
"Duh, the one in your mouth." Rainbow Dash said.
"Oh, that croquet mallet." Rarity replied, dropping the mallet. "I... well I... the truth is... um..."
"Were you at the other party in the garden?" Twilight asked.
"Where else would it have come from?" Spyro asked.
"Rarity, I'm surprised at you." Twilight said.
"Twilight, let me explain." Rarity said, diving to her friend's hooves.
"I never knew you were such a savvy business pony." Twilight said, finishing her sentence. "With all those posh ponies out there, and with how good your dresses look, I bet you can get some of them to buy your dresses. Very smart."
"W-whyyy yes, of course." Rarity said. "I didn't want to be rude to you, so that's exactly the reason why I didn't tell you. the one and only reason."
Spyro couldn't help but smile while shaking his head, watching the white unicorn mare dig and even deeper hole for herself as she made up the reason, knowing it was going to backfire like her letter did.
"Oh Rarity, you didn't need to do that." Twilight said. "We understand if you want to go over and mingle with them."
"Oh Twilight darling." Rarity replied, hugging her. "You're the best friend a pony could ever ask for! I don't know why I thought you wouldn't understand."
"What do you mean by that?" Twilight asked.
"Nothing!" Rarity quickly replied. "See you girls later."
She then quickly rushed off to rejoin the garden party, which Spyro just sat down and checked the time on his bracers as if waiting for something.
"Hey, wait up!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed, Spyro nodding his head as if he knew it was coming. "We're your friends. I'm sure they wouldn't mind if we come and check the party out for ourselves."
"What an excellent idea Rainbow Dash." Spyro said.
"WHAT!?" Rarity shouted, looking to Spyro and seeing the mischievous smile on his face.
"Come on guys, let's show these ponies how to party, Ponyville style." Rainbow Dash said.
Everyone trotted to the exit to go into the garden party, Rarity going into full blown panic mode as she watched her friends go to the garden before angrily glaring at Spyro as he walked by. Though he did feel a little sorry for Rarity, he knew she dug her own grave and now she was going to need to lie in it. As he got outside to the garden party, he watched as his friends did the conga again, but this time Twilight was holding onto the record player as they went along, the nobles glaring at them before splitting up. Rainbow Dash tried her luck as croquet, but when she swung, she did it too hard, letting go of the mallet and inadvertently taking a mares hair off, which turned out to be a wig while Fluttershy got a whole bunch of birds together, all chirping and causing a mess for those underneath the tree she was in while the birds were eating bird seed. Pinkie however found the buffet table and instantly dug into the biggest cake there, diving head first into it and wolfing it down, making a mess of herself and the table, but Applejack was digging up some of the plants in the garden, thinking it was a party where they had to do some gardening, but just dirtied herself up. While Twilight herself was dancing and pretty badly too, so he just went over to the buffet table and got a glass of punch, which Rarity came over, looking very anxious.
"This is a complete disaster!" Rarity said. "If they find out that they're with me, then-"
"Then what?" Spyro asked, stopping her from talking. "Your 'reputation' is ruined?"
"Well, yes, that." Rarity said, getting some punch. "What am I going to do Spyro?"
"What you should have done, deny the invitation." Spyro replied. "These snobs only care about reputation and what the most important pony thinks, not who they are. Being respected is fine, but if they only care about you for the reputation you build for yourself and not the pony you are, then they aren't worth being around."
"Sounds like you know from experience." Rarity said.
"Oh, you have no idea." Spyro replied, seeing that Fancy Pants was walking over to Twilight. "Ah, and there's Fancy Pants."
"WHERE!?" Rarity asked, seeing what Spyro saw. "Oh no."
"Excuse me miss." Fancy Pants said. "But, might I ask where you got your... ensemble?"
"Oh, of course." Twilight replied. "A very, very close friend of mine from Ponyville made it for me."
At the mention of that, Rarity ended up spitting her drink on the two ponies who invited her, drenching them in punch, which he couldn't help but snicker at.
"Ponyville?" Fancy Pants asked. "You don't say."
"I do say." Twilight replied. "And her name is-"
"Fancy Pants!" Rarity said, trotting up to them. "Could you come with me please? I'd like to show you the thing, uh, over there. On the other side of the room."
"Why certainly." Fancy Pants replied. "But first, this lovely filly from Ponyville was just about to tell me who made her charming dress."
"What, that old thing?" Rarity asked. "Come now, it's just a plain old-"
"Oh don't be so modest Rarity." Twilight said. "I absolutely love this dress you made for me. It's beautiful." As soon as Twilight said that, everyone in the crowd all gasped in complete shock, everyone gathering around the white unicorn mare as she smiled nervously. "We all think it looks great."
"You know these ponies?" Fancy Pants asked.
Rarity looked between the elite of Canterlot and then to her friends, trying to think of something as she didn't want her reputation ruined, but she cared about her friends more than anything else, struggling to think of something.
"These snobs only care about reputation and what the most important pony thinks, not who they are." Spyro's words echoed, her mind going back to what he said. "Being respected is fine, but if they only care about you for the reputation you build for yourself and not the pony you are, then they aren't worth being around."
She then turned her back on her friends, which Spyro walked up to them right as she turned away to face the elite, but instead of standing next to them, she stood in front of them, leering at them as she had something to say.
"Yes, yes I do know them." Rarity replied, shocking the sophisticated ponies. "They might not be as sophisticated like you high class ponies, but they are my best friends, without a doubt. I may have disappointed Spyro by choosing to go to this garden party instead of my friends birthday party, but when they came here to celebrate it with me here in Canterlot, I finally realized you can gain reputation from ponies others believe to be important, but the most important ponies I know are my friends."
All of Rarity's friends smiled at her, even Spyro who was pleased that Rarity finally realized what was more important, nodding his head in approval at the white unicorn mare.
"Important ponies?" Jet Set asked. "These ruffians?"
"Don't make me laugh." Upper Crust said.
The two snobs then started to laugh as they believed it was a big joke to them, but before he could do anything, Fancy Pants walked up and smiled.
"Actually, I find them to be charmingly rustic." Fancy Pants said, silencing the two laughing ponies, walking up to Twilight. "And I believe the dress you made for your friend Rarity is very lovely." Everyone in the crowd was taken back by what the most influential pony said, surprised that he would compliment a dress that was so simple. "I dare say, I bet every mare in Canterlot would be wanting one. Now, if you wouldn't mind, care to introduce me to your friends?"
"It would be my pleasure." Rarity replied.
The party went on as some of the ponies were placing orders for some of Rarity's dresses while everyone else partied on, having a blast until it came down to the presents, which some of the things her friends got her random things, goggles, a kit to make cupcakes, and a few other random things, but when she opened the one from Spyro, her eyes lit up when she saw it was a golden necklace like what the Elements of Harmony with a unicorn insignia in the center with a large Amethyst in the middle of the unicorns head with a couple of Topaz's next to the head, two more Amethysts after them and a couple of orange Citrines after them with a couple more Amethysts after them.
"Oh Spyro, it's beautiful." Twilight said, levitating the necklace to her neck as she put it on. "Did you make it yourself?"
"I certainly did." Spyro replied. "Took a little while, but I managed to finish it for you."
The lavender unicorn then leapt up and hugged him, the two hugging one another as the rest of their friends smiled at them.
"I'll always wear it Spyro." Twilight said, looking up at him. "Always."
Spyro just smiled at the lavender mare, the two of them leaning into each other as they shared a passionate kiss, not caring that others were watching as they night went on. In the distance, a cloaked figure was watching them from a top a nearby building, watching them as if making sure nothing was going to happen when all of a sudden, three Soldiers appeared from the void, their armor clanking as they landed and looked around for an easy target, but all of a sudden, one of them was crushed as the mystery pony landed on top of it, destroying it instantly as the other two turned around to see the pony, sharpening their claws for a fight. However, in a flash of light, the pony struck the both of them down with a single blow, appearing on the other side of them as the two remaining Soldiers were destroyed, releasing a couple of pink hearts as she stood up straight, looking around as if checking if there were more.
"Hold it right there!" A guard shouted, making the pony look behind her, pointing their spears at the unknown pony. "Identify yourself, now!"
They didn't get an answer as the pony just stood there, starring at them until another void opened up, this time it was a massive rock like Heartless with a large axe with a mask on it, towering over them.
"A Heartless!" The second guard said. "Get the prince! We need-"
Without a second's notice, the unknown pony rushed towards the heartless, which it tried to attack them, but a flash of light appeared and they blocked the attack, blocking the attack with a Keyblade. The stem of it being a single long thing rod with the teeth of the blade being a blooming rose and the guard was what appeared to be a couple of black wings with thorny vines over them and an alicorn head and wings in the center of the blades guard. The keychain itself was a golden chain with thorns on it and a black rose bud at the very end of it.
"A Keyblade?" The first guard asked. "How? I thought the prince and his friends were the only ones with them."
The mystery pony held the handle of the Keyblade in a red aura and pushed back against the massive Heartless, breaking the lock and knocking it down right as she leapt up in the air and called down bolts of lightning, hitting it in the head and making it's limbs move spontaneously, but it then got up and used it's axe to block it's face, protecting itself, but the mystery pony landed hard on the ground and a large chunk of earth into the air before jumping again and kicking it, smashing against the Heartless and breaking it's mask and causing it to stagger backwards, giving the pony the opportunity lunge forward and encase the blade in water, slashing it in the head and dealing a large amount of damage to the massive rock-like Heartless, causing it to stagger backwards again before the hooded pony threw the Keyblade, this time it was encased in fire as it went straight through it's head and out of it's back, making it collapse to the ground as a large pink heart escaped the massive monster.
"So, the Heartless are still around." The mystery pony said, the voice sounding female. "Looks like I'm in the right place."
"You, how do you have a Keyblade?" The guard asked, approaching her with their spears still drawn. "Who are you? What's your purpose in our city? Explain yourself!"
"Not every question has an answer." The mystery mare said. "All that I need is knowledge. And... an old friend."
"An old friend?" The second guard asked. "Who are you talking about?"
She didn't answer as the shadows around her grew darker, a dark fog rolling over her and obscuring her from their sight and once it lifted, she was gone, leaving the two guards alone on the street to figure out what was going on and who that mare was while on the roof top, she was watching as Spyro and all his friends walked to the castle for the night, heading to bed for the night while she remained on the roof of the building, keeping an eye on the castle as if she was half expecting something to be happening.